New York Giants: GM Jerry Reese Options at OT in the 2017 Draft

New York Giants: GM Jerry Reese Options at OT in the 2017 Draft

By Michael Stewart

The New York Giants GM Jerry Reese will have many decisions to make while preparing for the 2017 draft. Over the weeks leading up to the draft, I will feature positions of need that I feel the Giants and GM Jerry Reese will most likely focus on. This week, I will focus on the OT in the draft and could be available in each round.

Round 1

OT-Cam Robinson-6’6/325 (Alabama): This is a weak draft for OT in recent years, so it’s very likely that Robinson goes within the top 20. However; if Robinson slips out of the top 20 and to the Giants at #23, it might be too much of a temptation for GM Reese to pass up. Robinson is a solid pass protector and equally gifted as a run blocker with quick feet to go along with an endless motor. Robinson not only is excellent on his initial blocks, but also excels in his secondary blocks.

OT Ryan Ramczyk(Wisconsin) is rising up the draft board and with good reasons. The 6’6/315lb OT faced many potential future NFL DE prospects this season, most notably Taco Charlton (Michigan) Dewuane Smoot (Illonios) and Garrett Sicklels (Penn State) and didn’t surrender a single sack to any of them. Ramczyk is a proto-typical OT from Wisconsin; with a blue collar mentally, an endless motor and a mean streak which makes Ramczyk a lethal weapon. Ramczyk has excellent balance to go along with his superb athleticism and has great technique for a big man. His combination of power and agility will make his transition into the NFL a smooth one.

Round 2

OT-Garett Bolles-6’5/297 (Utah): Bolles has emerged as a possible 1st round selection based on his productive 2016 season. However; he could easily slipped in the late 2nd to early 3rd round based on three factors: 1) his age-Bolles is 25 years old which is considered very old for a college prospect. 2) off the field issues involving Bolles mental health and past issues with marijuana. 3) Bolles family has had problems as well; which could affect Bolles draft status in a negative way.

OT-Dion Dawkins-6’5/320 (Temple): Many scouts believe Dawkins will eventually end up at LT. Dawkins has good athleticism and is a good run/pass blocker. If Dawkins has a solid combine, he could be an early 2nd round

Round 3

OT-Antonio Garcia-6’7/302 (Troy): Garcia’s stock could rise based on his performance in the Senior Bowl as he has size and has played LT at Troy. Garcia has the body frame to added muscle without losing his overall agility for a big man. Garcia could be a sleeper in this draft and a solid LT in the NFL for many years.

OT- Julien Davenport-6’6/315 (Bucknell): There are mixed reports regarding Davenport among NFL scouts as some project him to be a day 3 selections; while others believe he could go in the mid to late 2nd round. Regardless; Davenport has good athleticism with quick feet and has some elements that Giants GM Reese has always coveted (long arms and big hands). A strong week at the Senior Bowl could negate many of the negative reports and push Davenport higher on the draft board.

Round 4

OT-David Sharpe-6’6/347 (Florida): Sharpe is an exceptional run blocker and a notch below as a pass defender. Sharpe played both OT positions due to injuries and might wind up as an OG in the NFL. However; the consensus by NFL scouts has Sharpe playing RT in the NFL.

OT- Roderick Johnson-6’6/325 (Florida State): Johnson had an up and down season with the Seminoles, but his raw talent can’t be overlooked. Many NFL scouts love Johnson’s size and length to protect on the edge. Johnson is equal in his run blocking/pass protection skills; which is above average and should be a very competitive LT in the NFL.

Round 5

OT-Javarius Leamon-6’7/322 (South Carolina): Leamon had an impressive 2016 season as many scouts say he has athletic ability for his size, but needs to get stronger at the next level. Leamon moves his feet well against edge rushers and could develop into a solid starting left tackle.

OT- Erik Magnuson-6’6/305 (Michigan): Magnuson had a quality senior year as Michigan’s right tackle. He started 26 straight games on the right edge for the Wolverines. Magnuson was a tough run blocker. For the NFL, he will need to improve his pass protection and ability to block speed rushers.

Round 6

OT- Brad Seaton-6’5/320 (Villanova): Seaton is another possible sleeper in this draft with his size and strength combination. Seaton could see his stock rise with a solid performance at the Combines.

OT-Zach Banner-6’9/360 (USC): Banner is as raw as you can get, but it’s hard to ignore his size and strength combination. The problem with Banner is that he hasn’t been able to figure out how to use it on the field. Many NFL scouts worry that Banner will have weight issues as he matures and also there’s concerns of his work ethic and lethargy. However; if the Giants feel that they have the resources to get Banner beyond these obstacles, he could be worth the risk in the late rounds.

Round 7

OT-Dan Skipper-6’10/322 (Arkansas): Skipper played LT primary at Arkansas, but he will in all probability move to RT in the NFL as Skipper currently lacks the quickness to contain edge rushers. However; as a run blocker, Skipper has excelled and that trend should continue in the NFL.

OT-Connor McDermott-6’9/.310 (UCLA): McDermott is an average run blocker/pass defender and was out played by top prospect Myles Garrett. McDermott is a project and if a team is patient with him and allows him to suffer through the growing pains. He could develop into a solid RT in the NFL.

Final Thoughts: With the NFL combine soon under way a lot could change on where many of these OT could go in the draft. Despite the uncertainty, one thing that’s certain and that is the Giants need to address the OT position whether through the draft or in FA or possibly both. Next article will feature OG prospects.